ABWAK News & Events

Animal Keeper (Birds and Explorer Section) – Twycross Zoo

Based in the heart of England, Twycross Zoo (TZ) is an award-winning conservation charity and rapidly growing visitor attraction. We’re committed to supporting global welfare and conservation efforts in the captive breeding of endangered species whilst supporting projects from many different countries around the world, including Ape Action Africa, Lola Ya Bonobo and the FFI Cao Vit Gibbon Project.

In 2014, we launched our 20-year, £55million Masterplan. Since this time, new habitats which have opened to the public include Giraffe Savannah and Gibbon Forest. Recently, we’ve opened a new £3.5 million world-class chimpanzee habitat, Chimpanzee Eden, and are looking forward to building on this continued growth and success. As part of our Masterplan development programme, other investments have also included new habitats and renovations such as Lorikeet Landing, a Lemur walk-through and Butterfly Forest, all of which offer our visitors an immersive and inspiring experience with the animals.

At TZ you’ll be part of an evolving and progressive organisation, with staff engagement at its very core. We offer a diverse range of roles and are committed to the fundamental approach of equal opportunities in employment. Our team strives to educate and inspire everyone to care about, and therefore contribute to saving, the other species with which we share our planet.

With our dedicated and enthusiastic team of colleagues at the heart of everything we do, we aim to become a recognised “Centre of Excellence” that continues to make a significant contribution to the welfare and conservation of animals, especially primates, and remain at the heart of conservation.

What will this role of Animal Keeper entail?

You’ll play a key role in caring for the animals in the Birds and Explorer section of Twycross Zoo, working with a wide variety of Bird species including Owls, Flamingos, Penguins and Parrots. The section also includes Reptiles, Inverts and Domestics. Your duties will include but not be limited to;

• Preparing and distributing food and water to animals • Learning about the animals and reporting any animal health concerns to the Section Head • Assisting with maintaining enclosures and public viewing areas ensuring a high standard of hygiene, cleanliness and exhibition • Answering enquiries from the public in a helpful and polite manner, delivering encounters and assisting with public events • Motivating and encouraging colleagues, and assisting with the development of Trainee Keepers and providing guidance to work experience students and apprentices

What will I need to be considered for this Animal Keeper vacancy?

• At least 3 years’ experience of animal keeping, caring for domestics, birds, inverts and reptiles within a zoo or similar environment • An appropriate animal related qualification is essential • Superb knowledge of animals that will be within your regular care and all responsible work practices relevant to zoonotic diseases • A passion for the Zoo’s work and purpose • Willing to be trained as a first aider and to be on call as part of the Zoo's first aid duty rota • A flexible approach to duties and working hours

Please note, whilst Twycross Zoo is an equal opportunities employer, the successful applicant will need to be physically fit due to the nature and demands of the role.

What will I receive in return?

As an Animal Keeper you’ll receive a salary of £18,895, along with fantastic additional benefits including 31 days holiday per annum (inclusive of bank holidays), along with the benefit of a staff membership card, giving you free entry to the Zoo on your days off and discounts in our retail and food outlets. Free onsite parking.

Contract: Permanent, working average of 43 hours over 5 days out of 7 between the hours of 8am to 5pm during the winter months, and 8am to 6pm for the remainder of the year.

Location: Atherstone, Warwickshire (on the A444, which is easily accessed via the A5 and the M42 Junction 11).

To apply for this position, please head over to http://jobs.twycrosszoo.org, where you will be able to select this role and submit your CV for consideration.